1976 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Lower Haystack Hastings Reservation (7 June) '2meter above the ground within the canopy of a small Blue Oak; on one occasion 8173 even went directly to the ground in order to get something. Meanwhile, 8171 landed in the storage tree with-yes- food in his bill. Finally getting the hint, I watched him manipulate it a little before flying within the tree and clearly entering a hole to feed. Finally. I suppose I shouldn't feel so bad, inasmuch as the hole faces upward on a knob and is virtually invisible from the ground. 1330. Returned to open the nest, coming up with 4 babies about 7-8 days old. The hole is tilted 20° from being vertical: but there is a limb just above it which no doubt protects it. 16 June 900. Measured and collared the babies; in hide at 930. 945. Several birds over in '75 nest area. ①♂GLW#194. ②♀CHRW#190. ③♂LBRW#171. ④♂WHLW#173. 1015. In same area: ⑤♂De/SP-OG#236. ⑥♀PRLW#172. 1025. ⑦♂173 in storage tree with acorn bits in mouth, possibly about to feed. 1130. No one ever fed. Went and undid the kids; now back in hide at 1145. 1155. ⑦♀ub in Up Hay tree hawking. 1215. Several birds here now; drilling going on in storage tree. 1257. 8173 fed. 1300. Leaving. By now I've seen everybody at least twice and without much difficulty - making it rather probable that the banded ♀, #52 has disappeared somewhere or another. 25 June 900. Banded and bled the kids, who are #s 307 to 310. 1000. Watching from hide. 1012. A strange ♀ [Fun-Dark/White, possibly formerly with →G6 to p.13